Heavyweight newcomer Mick Parkin, a 2022 Contender Series winner, arrived in the octagon at UFC London on Saturday, paired up with Jamal Pogues.
Like Parkin, Pogues was a DWCS alum, who had won his promotional debut earlier this year when he defeated Josh Parisian in a three-round decision.
In the opening round, it was a slow feeling-out process for the first few minutes. Pogues was focused on the jab while Parkin was landing leg kicks. Parkin was landing with more impact with the kicks and the punches when he threw them. Parkin landed another right hand which drew a big reaction from Pogues. Pogues did a good job keeping the jab up doubling up on it at times. Close opening round.
Both guys were aggressive to start round two and Pogues would press Parkin against the cage. Pogues went for a single leg but Parkin stayed upright. Pogues at least made him pay with some elbows before they separated. Parkin kept attacking the leg kick that was visibly giving Pogues issues. Pogues was low volume as the round went on and had trouble connecting.
In the final round, Pogues was most likely in need of a finish. Parkin was right back to work early with the kicks to the lead leg. Pogues was just standing in front of Parkin not throwing anything letting him set the pace. As the fight wound down Parkin more and more started to chip away at Pogues. Pogues never got out of the water in the final round.
No better feeling than a win in your debut 👏
Mick Parkin gets the UD victory!
[ #UFCLondon | Live on @ESPNPlus 📺 ] pic.twitter.com/ClynZueDkh
— UFC (@ufc) July 22, 2023
Official Result: Mick Parkin def. Jamal Pogues by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
